Martin McGuinness rejects Smithwick allegations

DEPUTY First Minister Martin McGuinness has denied any involvement in the IRA sanctioning an operation to abduct, torture and murder two of the most senior RUC officers killed in the Troubles.

The Sinn Fein chief rejected allegations made at the Smithwick tribunal in Dublin by a British intelligence officer Ian Hurst – also known as Martin Ingram – who claimed to have inside knowledge of the 1989 terrorist border ambush.

The inquiry into IRA-Garda collusion in the Irish Republic was told Mr McGuinness was in the IRA’s northern command and “involved” when it sanctioned the killing of Chief Superintendent Harry Breen and Superintendent Bob Buchanan.

A spokesman for the Deputy First Minister said: “Martin McGuinness totally rejects these allegations.”